Tehran: Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi issued a stark warning on Saturday, indicating that Iran would completely suspend its understanding with the International Atomic Energy Agency if UN Security Council sanctions are activated within a week.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Gharibabadi’s comments came in the wake of a recent Security Council vote that did not result in the adoption of a resolution to prevent the reactivation of sanctions on Iran. He emphasized the possibility of preventing the return of these sanctions if specific diplomatic actions are taken within the week. However, he asserted that if the sanctions are reinstated, suspending the agreement with the agency would be a logical step for Iran.

The UN Security Council recently decided not to permanently lift the sanctions on Iran, with members failing to adopt a draft resolution aimed at halting the activation of the snapback mechanism. This mechanism, part of the 2015 nuclear agreement, enables the reimposition of sanctions if Iran is deemed non-compliant.

A letter from Britain, France, and Germany to the UN Security Council has revealed that these countries, collectively known as the “European Troika,” have initiated the process to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran, accusing it of failing to adhere to the 2015 nuclear agreement. The snapback mechanism will be activated unless the Security Council takes further action by late September, 30 days after the process began.

Despite the support of Russia and China for easing sanctions, the European Troika has until the end of the next week to negotiate potential concessions with Iran. However, diplomats remain skeptical about reaching a resolution.

Ahead of the Security Council vote, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi proposed a “reasonable and feasible plan” to avoid a crisis, though specific details of the plan were not disclosed. In Geneva, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh warned that Tehran would employ “strategic cards” if sanctions were reinstated, accusing European countries of escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The unfolding situation coincides with the upcoming UN General Assembly meetings in New York, where approximately 150 world leaders are expected to convene starting next Tuesday.